Mary Catherine Schaeffner died peacefully on April 15 surrounded by family.

Mary is mother of Margaret (Meg) Reilly of Ridgefield and Ronald Schaeffner of Purchase, N.Y.  She was greatly loved by her grandchildren Meaghan and Matt Reilly, Danielle Schaeffner, Kaitlin Schaeffner Wright, and great-granddaughter Kaia Wright.

Mary moved to Ridgefield in 2011 after residing in Purchase, N.Y. for over 50 years.  Mary was born in Oswego, IL, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Gorman) Foss and grew up in Chicago before moving to Louisville, KY. While living in Louisville, Mary met Bill Schaeffner who was in the army and stationed at Fort Knox. Their blind date led to an eventual proposal and then marriage on November 11, 1944.

Mary would return to Illinois when Bill was transferred by General Foods. While in LaGrange, IL, Mary became an active volunteer at the St. Francis Parish and the local hospital. Mary continued to be an active volunteer when the family returned to N.Y. in 1962. She gave countless hours to the White Plains Women’s Club and St. Anthony of Padua Church. Mary was a founding member of the parish choir and sang each Sunday well into her 80’s.

The family would like to give special thanks to all the caregivers in the Ridgefield area who cared for their mother with compassion, respect and love. They will be forever grateful.

A private burial was held on April 19 at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village, N.Y. A Memorial Mass for family and friends will be held May 6 at 10:00AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church in West Harrison, N.Y. Arrangements by McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home, 914-949-7777.

The post Mary Schaeffner, 97, mother of Ridgefielder appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Judith L. Dann

Judith L. Dann, 82, of Danbury, formerly of Ridgefield, wife of Dr. Jordan R. Dann, died on Sunday afternoon, April 9, 2017 at her home.

Mrs. Dann was born in Sacramento, California, a daughter of Francis and Eleanor (Maloney) Leserer. She was raised in California and as a teenager, moved with her family to Westport, CT where she graduated Staples High School. Following graduation, Mrs. Dann entered and graduated from The Hartford Hospital School of Nursing where she was then employed as a Registered Nurse. Mrs. Dann later was employed with the Norwalk Hospital where she was the nursing supervisor in the psychiatric department.

A resident of the area since 1967, Mrs. Dann was the proprietor of the former Country Cat of Ridgefield. Also, she and her husband were mentors to many young persons who became successful in their life goals.

Active with the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, (RVNA), she served as president of the RVNA for two terms and served as a Board member and a health care volunteer. In 2016, she received The Community Leader Recognition Award from the RVNA. She was an incorporator of the Danbury Hospital (Western CT Health Care System) and a member and President of the Caudatowa Garden Club of Ridgefield. In addition to her meaningful activities locally, she supported an orphanage in the Lake Chapala region of Mexico.

In addition to her husband of fifty years, Jordan R. Dann, D.V.M., Mrs. Dann is survived by her son, Curtis Dann of Ridgefield, a daughter, Sally Knowles MD of West Hartford, CT and by six grandchildren, Ashley, Elizabeth and Adam Dann, Scott and David Sorensen and Zoe Berger. Also some of her dear and loving friends must be mentioned in an incomplete list including Zee, Ian Smith MD, Dana Smith, Sara, her Godson Andy Zarro, Shirley Williams MD and numerous family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Dann was predeceased by a sister Suzanne West.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a time and place to be announced.

There will be no calling hours or formal funeral service per Mrs. Dann’s request.

Contributions in Mrs. Dann’s name may be made to The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877 or to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810.

Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

The post Judith L. Dann, 82, former president of RVNA, Caudatowa Garden Club appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Ronald Girard, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 17, 2017. He was the loving husband of the late Lorraine (Horne) Girard.

Born on January 24, 1933, in Pawtucket, he was a son of the late Henry and Amy (Legare) Girard. Ronald attended North Attleboro High School and Bristol County Agricultural School.

Upon graduation, he proudly served his country during the Korean War.

He was a lifelong resident of North Attleboro, Mass. Ronald was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed cooking, but most of all he enjoyed time spent with his family.

He is survived by his five children; Michelle Girard-Lynds of Portland, Maine, Renee Keough of Coventry, R.I., Paul Girard of Wilton, Maine, Heather Lindgren of Ridgefield, and Sarah Franklin of North Attleboro; his grandchildren, Amy, Matthew, Leontyne, Jeremy, Emily, Ashley, and Cecelia, and Olivia and Wright Lindgren of Ridgefield; three great-grandchildren and his siblings, Conrad Girard, Diane Cooper and Elise Newton. He is also survived by son-in-law Rob Lindgren of Ridgefield.

Ronald was a brother of the late Caroline Mitchell and Theodore Girard. Funeral services and burial will be held privately. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, Attleboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald’s name may be sent to the Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Rhode Island, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

To send Ronald’s family a condolence or remembrance, visit duffy-poule.com

The post Ronald Girard, 84, Korean War veteran appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Kevin C. Harold

Kevin C. Harold, 65, of Redding, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in Madison, CT after receiving treatment for several months at Yale New Haven’s Smilow Cancer Hospital.

Kevin was born on December 28, 1951 in Queens, NY; a son of the late Charles and Mary (Prunty) Harold. The second eldest of 10 children, Kevin spent his formative years on Long Island, attending St. Aiden School in Williston Park and Mineola High School.

Kevin was an area resident for many years, where all four of his children graduated from Ridgefield High School. With over 30 years of publishing industry experience, Kevin has formerly served as Executive Vice President at Rand McNally, Senior Vice President of New Media at BusinessWeek, and Senior Vice President of McGraw Hill’s hi-tech magazine group. Most recently he was the Publisher and a founder of NJ Spotlight.

An avid reader, writer, and scholar of early Christianity and Roman history, Kevin expertly engaged on a number of historical and political topics and always enjoyed absorbing new information. He loved old movies, musicals, Westerns, and music, especially The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, John Coltrane, Johnny Cash, Elvis and the Rolling Stones. Other activities included climbing and tending trees, scuba diving, and exercising. His adventurous spirit/wanderlust frequently brought him to treetop canopies, the depths of the ocean and getting lost in foreign lands.

While not especially religious, Kevin was very spiritual, summarizing his beliefs as “There is a God. He is intelligent. And he is active in our lives.”

Kevin is survived by his four children Meryl Harold and her husband, Jon, Nathan Harold, Martin Harold and Olivia Harold as well as his former wife and the mother of his children, Mary Harold. He is also survived by his siblings: Patrick Harold and his wife, Dorene, Sean Harold and his wife, Maryanne, Michael Harold and his wife, Christina, Daniel Harold and his wife, Kimberly, Mary Catherine McBride and her husband, Kevin, Beth Ryan and her husband, Michael, Peggy Gorry and her husband, Chris, Maureen Quintanar and Ruth Harold. Kevin is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street Ridgefield. Memorial services will take place on Friday, April 28, 2017 11:00 am at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church; 351 Main Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Umpawaug Cemetery, Redding.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at jdrf.com.

The post Kevin C. Harold, 65, publisher appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Patricia Giordano Wiele, age 69, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Monday, May 1 after a long battle with cancer. Patricia was a beacon of faith and love for all who knew her, and her life enriched the world in many ways. She was born on August 29th, 1947 in Houston, TX to Conrad and Ellen (Condon) Schoppe. The oldest of six siblings, she helped her parents raise her brothers and sisters. She attended the University of Houston and New York University.  In 1971, she married Natale Giordano, (died 1989), with whom she had four sons and lived in Ridgefield for almost 20 years, opening an interior decorating business while Natale practiced orthodontics. In 1994, she married Ridgefielder Fred Wiele, merging their two families including nine children and moved to California. Patricia spent her life serving the Lord in many ways, great and small. She tended to the earth in community gardens as a leader in the Ridgefield Garden Club and in her own beautiful gardens at home. She helped shape the education of children through her work in the East Ridge Middle School’s parent-teacher association. And, as a volunteer in Houston in 2005, she took on a critical role with Catholic Charities in helping victims of hurricane Katrina relocate and rebuild their lives. She was also an active board member of Catholic Charities in Santa Rosa, through which she helped a great many people. She actively searched for ways to bring faith and light to people and places where hope was scarce.

Patricia is survived by her dedicated husband, Fred Wiele, nine children and step-children: Scott Wiele, Robin (Steve) Finkelstein, Brian (Clare) Wiele, Craig (Alison) Wiele, Keith Giordano, Suzanne (Brook) Deaver, Michael (Catherine) Giordano, Ryan (Amanda) Giordano, and Todd Wiele, and was the beloved grandmother of thirteen grandchildren.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church; 30 Church Street; Georgetown (Redding), CT. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Patricia’s name to Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa: 987 Airway Court; Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

The post Patricia Giordano Wiele, 69, garden club member appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Dawn Compton Walkup

Dawn Compton Walkup, 54, of Ridgefield, CT passed away peacefully on May 7, 2017 after suffering a severe stroke.

Born on August 19, 1962 in Austin, TX to Landy and Joanne Compton, Dawn attended LD Bell High School in Hurst, TX and excelled in the classroom (national honor society) and on the field in soccer and softball. She was on the homecoming court her Senior year and enjoyed being part of the LD Bell Dance Team (Raiderettes). Dawn attended one year of college before discovering her natural talents and became a certified Paul Mitchell Associate – known as popular trainer and innovative hairstylist/chemical technician.

She accepted the proposal of marriage from Jonathan Walkup at midnight, sitting atop a footbridge on the San Antonio riverwalk. They were married among the flowers of the Dallas Arboretum in Dallas Texas, on 29 September, 1990. After supporting Jonathan to get his Baylor University MBA, the couple moved to Coppell, TX to start their life together and were blessed with a beautiful daughter Sterling – whom she doted on with unwavering devotion ;-))

As a resident of Coppell and Southlake, TX, Brighton, Australia and Ridgefield, CT, she cultivated a broad range of friends by her inability to say no to volunteer requests: Soccer Coach, Middle school Volunteer, Church Nursery, HOA Officer, etc. These friendships created the foundation of mutual unconditional love that gave her endless joy and strength over the years. Wanderlust sparked after Sterling was born and she enjoyed many adventures to France, Italy, England, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Honduras, Australia — her favorite was Cinque Terre, Italy (a portion of her ashes will remain there).

Dawn was preceded in death by her brother Ronald Compton and is survived by her husband Jonathan Walkup, and daughter Sterling, Father Landy W Compton and stepmother Juanita, Mother Joanne Compton Barnett and stepfather Al Barnett, Brother Landy W Compton II and wife Alysha, and daughters Eva and Isabelle, Nieces Heather Brown, Kayla and Casey Compton.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 12 2017 at 10:30 AM at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church; 207 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. A second memorial service will be held in her beloved state of Texas in late June (TBD)

In lieu of Tulips, contributions can be made to Donate Life America (www.donatelife.net). Blessed to receive a liver transplant in 2010, Dawn understood the importance of this program and relished the seven additional years with her family.

Dawn and the Walkup family asks that you spend additional time with your children, experience new adventures with loved ones and toast those enduring friendships.

The post Dawn Compton Walkup, 54, volunteer, traveler appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Cecelia Ann Ruggles

Cecelia Ann Ruggles passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2017 while living in Big Timber, Montana. Born in White Plains, New York on March 29, 1942, she grew up in Valhalla, New York with her parents, the late Rumo and Ann Consorte, and younger sister Patricia.

Graduating from Simmons College with a degree in political science, Ceil spent the next 18 years at Hudson Institute, a nonprofit think tank, working with its renowned co-founder, Herman Kahn. Business often took her to Europe and Asia, and it was during this time that she developed her deep appreciation for Chinese and Japanese antiquities.

While living in Ridgefield, Connecticut for over four decades, Ceil was generous with her time, supporting many local organizations in ways that reflected her own passions. Main Street’s vibrant window boxes and pear trees exemplify her involvement in the Ridgefield Garden Club’s “Greening of Ridgefield” project and personal love of flowers, which always seemed to surround her at home as well.

Ceil’s commitment to those who need a caring hand showed in her dedication to the Visiting Nurses Association, the Danbury Hospital, and to Ann’s Place. Having lost her mother to cancer, Ceil knew the value of the comfort, care, and compassion that Ann’s Place provides and for many years gave them her time, heart and love.

Cecelia also had a passion for animals, especially her cherished canine companions. At one joyful point in her life, she enthusiastically shared her Ridgefield home with 17 bichon frisés, a German shepherd, a Norwegian elkhound, and two cats; each and every one equally adored. While she may have received the most acclaim for amazingly having two of her dogs win Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, first her bichon frisé Ch. Special Times Just Right! (J.R.) in 2001 and then her Sussex spaniel Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee (Stump) in 2009, that was just an expression of who she was. She also owned a show and boarding kennel called The Kennel at Champions in Houston, Texas, but beyond the ribbons and the ring, of greatest importance to Ceil were the many friends she made during her celebrated years in the dog show world.

Ceil’s most recent adventure was her move out to live in Big Timber, Montana with her beloved partner Dave Larson. There she found peace and deep contentment walking to the waterfalls and gazing at double rainbows over the Crazy Mountains.

Cecelia will be dearly missed by all who were touched by her generous spirit. She is remembered with love by son Daniel (Rachel) Ruggles of Bozeman, Mont.; son Andrew (Marymar) Ruggles of New York, N.Y. ; stepson Rudy (Anne) Ruggles of Weston, Mass.; stepson Christopher (Christina) Ruggles of Wellesley, Mass.; sister, Patricia Bishop of Ridgefield; and six grandchildren: Lindsey, Thomas, Stefan, Natalie, Fletcher and Elliot.

The memorial service will be on June 3, 2017 at 11:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT. Memorial contributions can be made to Ann’s Place, 80 Saw Mill Road, Danbury, CT 06810 or at www.annsplace.org.

The post Cecelia Ann Ruggles, a generous spirit appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Susan Middeleer Mleczko

Susan Middeleer Mleczko, loving mother, sister, and daughter died at Montefiore Hospital, Bronx, New York, on May 9, 2017 with her children by her side.

Susan loved life, loved her family and friends and Block Island where she spent as much time as possible over the last 60 years. She was an avid traveler, writer, interior designer, gardener, and cook.

Known for her gracious, kind spirit and incredible hospitality, Susan loved making culinary masterpieces for family and friends. Her passion for cooking was fueled partially by her father’s Belgian heritage (roast chicken and artichokes were a favorite) but she was also inspired by other cultures and was quick to bring home a recipe from her favorite market in the Bronx or the villages she visited in Tuscany with her long-time partner William Schettini.

Susan loved all animals big and small. Her children knew she would never turn away a stray, and she herself rescued many an animal in her day, from feral cats to woodland creatures. She was an ardent conservationist – passionate about saving wildlife and wild places. In her youth she started the “Protect Your Environment Club” at the Thomas School whose efforts were broadcasted globally.

Susan Middeleer Mleczko was born on March 30, 1952 in Norwalk, Connecticut. She attended Tufts University in Massachusetts where she majored in Theatre and English.

A former marketing professional, she was an account manager at Tenet Partners (formerly BrandLogic). Through Susan’s innovation and leadership, she helped successfully execute many branding and identity campaigns for Fortune 500 clients. Prior to her marketing career, Susan worked as a personal assistant to the Vice President of Public Affairs at The New York Public Library.

Ms. Mleczko is survived by her mother, Rosemary Earle Middeleer of Wilton, three children: daughter Lily Mleczko of New York, New York, daughter Anna Mleczko of Wilton, Connecticut, son Harry Mleczko of New York, New York and her companion Edward Copper, of Buffalo, New York. She is also survived by her brothers William, Michael and Geoffrey Middeleer, six nieces and nephews, four cats, one turtle and her three beloved dogs, Willow, Gibson and Nigel.  

A memorial will be held at the St. Stephen’s Church, 351 Main Street, Wednesday, May 17, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in her name to the Wildlife Conservation Society or the Block Island Conservancy.

The post Susan Middeleer Mleczko, 65, loving mother, sister and daughter appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Kennally

Loving spouse and mother, cherished daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Betsy Kennally earned her angel wings on May 12, 2017, her 58th birthday, after a brief but courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

While this was much sooner than we would have liked, we are grateful that her last days were peaceful.  There is no doubt in our minds that wonderful, giving, life-loving Betsy will find a heaven filled with mountains to summit, canyons to hike, calm oceans to swim in, and a long line of people seeking her excellent advice.

Betsy was born in Hartford, CT on May 12, 1959, the third of six children of parents Phyllis and John Kennally.  She grew up in Barrington, RI, attending St. Luke School and St. Mary’s Academy-Bay View, where she excelled in the classroom and on the athletic fields.  She attended Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, graduating with a degree in Physical Education, and completed her masters in Human Resources and Organizational Development at the New School for Social Research in New York, NY.

Her career began at the Emma Willard School in Troy, NY, where she taught physical education and Health Science.  Her next step took her into healthcare human resources, where she worked in many capacities eventually rising to the ranks of executive management. But where Betsy was truly outstanding was in her role as the chief learning officer for both the three-hospital system, Health Quest (Poughkeepsie, NY) and, more recently, Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, NY.  In this specialized role, Betsy was able to combine her skill as a teacher with her impressive knowledge about organizations and her extraordinary intuition about people.  

Betsy was loved.  She leaves behind her wonderful parents; her beloved spouse, June Presslaff and their two cherished daughters, Graciela and Eliana; her sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Ray Armater and daughters Elizabeth, Olivia and Madeline; brother and sister-in-law John and Diane and children, Katie and DJ; brother and sister-in-law Michael and Karen and daughter Erin; brother and sister-in law Tom and Lisa and sons Matthew and Andrew; brother Philip; favorite godfather and his wife, Jack and Pat Clary; mother-in-law Lenore Biller; sister-in-law Robin Presslaff; sister-in-law Wendy and her husband Chris Drucker, and their children Tim and Jamie, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Mass celebrating Betsy’s life will be said on Wednesday, May 17 at 10:15 a.m. at St. Mary Church; 55 Catoonah Street,  Ridgefield, CT.  Friends wishing to honor Betsy’s memory may do so by making a gift to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810. Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of funeral arrangements.

The post Elizabeth “Betsy” Kennally, 58, loving spouse, mother appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Edward B. Delany

Edward B. Delany, 91, of Wilton, formerly of Ridgefield, passed away after a long illness on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Norwalk Hospital. He was the loving husband of Mrs. Lucille (Heling) Delany.

Mr. Delany was born on May 26, 1925 in Queens, NY; a son of the late James and Emilie (Bergmann) Delany.  Edward graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Corona in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-12 program. Edward was enrolled at Columbia University, graduating in 1945 with a Bachelors of Engineering.  He immediately entered service in the Navy with the rank of Ensign and was stationed at Subic Bay in the Philippines, billeted on the USS PC-1133. In 1946, he was released from active service to inactive service in the Naval Reserves. Ed returned home to Long Island and earned his Masters of Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, taking classes at night and working during the day.  During this time Ed started his lifelong career at Perkin-Elmer. He also married his love, Lucille in May of 1948. In 1951 Ed was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Key West, FL aboard the USS Sarsfield (DD-837). In 1953, Ed was honorably discharged, moved to Norwalk, CT, and started his family. In 1954 Ed moved his young family to Ridgefield, CT, residing there for 61 years, until he moved to The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, CT.

During his time in Ridgefield, Ed was a member of St. Mary Church. Ed was also active in the Columbia Engineering Golden Lions Society, the Knights of Columbus, the Ridgefield Men’s Club, the Ridgefield AARP chapter, and was an honorary member of the Italian American Club.  He was an avid runner, a talented wood carver and followed the stock market with interest.  Ed was a constant learner with a bright curiosity. He enjoyed considering complex problems and finding solutions. During his tenure at Perking-Elmer, Ed’s work earned him and the company multiple patents. Ed had a hunger for knowledge of all kinds, including recent advances in medicine, engineering, and world affairs. A staunch Republican and devout Catholic, Ed always enjoyed a good debate. Most of all, Ed enjoyed family gatherings of every kind.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Lucille, and their children: James Delany; Patrick Delany and his wife, Anne; Jody Carfi and her husband, George; and Jeanne Clutter and her husband, David. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Sean, Chelsey, Victoria, Thomas, Calla, Chloe and Carina. In addition to his parents, Mr. Delany was predeceased by his grandson, EJ (Carfi).

The Delany family is grateful to the staff at the Greens, especially Ida, for the care that Ed received. The family is also thankful for the compassionate care received at Norwalk Hospital.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 10:15 a.m. at St. Mary Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment with US Military Honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Ridgefield. Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

The post Edward B. Delany, 91, Navy veteran appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Alvin William Hall, Jr.

Alvin William Hall, Jr., passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on the tenth of May, 2017 in Houston, Texas.

He was born in Washington, D.C. on October 3, 1920 to Alvin William Hall and Ruth Benner Hall.

While in high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, subsequently attending Bullis Prep School in Silver Spring, Maryland and received a competitive appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1939. He graduated with the accelerated class of ‘43 in June 1942 one year early because of World War II, was commissioned Ensign and assigned to USS Texas (BB-35), participating in convoy duty and the North African Invasion. He then served in the heavy cruiser USS Quincy (CA-71) as senior officer of turret 2, which according to Navy Department records “is believed to have been the first ship taken under fire and the first ship to engage the enemy batteries from her station on the right flank of Utah beach at 0537 that morning.” Later, the Quincy participated in the bombardment of Cherbourg, enabling the U.S.

Army to occupy the city. After Normandy, Quincy participated in the Southern France invasion. He later served briefly in USS Helena (CA-75), and after flight training was designated a Naval Aviator in 1947. In 1948, he and Dorothy Moye of Washington, D.C. were married in Dallas, Texas.

In the late 1940s and 1950s, he attended various Naval Photographic and Intelligence Schools, and served in photo squadrons (VP-61 and VC-61) which mapped Western Alaska using B-24s (PB4Y-2). He had duty on the staff of Commander Naval Air Force Pacific, the Bureau of Aeronautics, the staff of Commander-In-Chief Pacific Fleet and an airborne early warning squadron (VW-1), serving in Hawaii and Guam. He finished his Naval career as Executive Officer at the United States Naval Photographic Center in Anacostia, Washington, D.C.

After retiring from the navy as Commander in 1962, he worked for the Dallas Power and Light Company (1962-1965). He then headed a small subsidiary of MGM (1965-1972), before joining the A.J. Carnall Insurance Company in Ridgefield, Connecticut, until his retirement, in 2002.

During their time in Ridgefield, they was very active in the community. He served as President of the Ridgefield Community Center, President of the Ridgefield Library, Commissioner of the Ridgefield Housing Authority, Chairman Board of Deacons of the First Congregational Church and Endowment Trustees of Keeler Tavern Museum.

He was a life member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Military Officers Association. He was also a member of the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association, American Legion and the Rotary Club of Ridgefield.

On March 12, 2014 the State of Texas celebrated the 100th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Texas (BB-35). As one of the few remaining crew members, he received a Citizen of Honor Medal from the mayors of the first two French towns liberated by U.S. troops who went ashore at Utah Beach with the heavy cruiser Quincy providing gunfire support.

His father, Alvin W. Hall, Sr. was Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for thirty years.

Alvin and his sister, Ruth, posed for the photograph on which the 1932 Arbor Day postage stamp was based.

The 1932 Arbor Day postage stamp featuring Alvin, right, and his sister, Ruth, left.

In September 2016, Al and Dottie joined their daughter Allison, in Houston, Texas, where Al spent the final eight months of his life with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, their two children, Alvin MacLauren Hall and Allison Blaylock Teare, five grandchildren and their spouses and six great grandchildren. Among many wonderful traits, he will be remembered for his kindness, dry wit, patience, dependability and devotion to his family.

A memorial service will be held in Houston, Texas at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in the Chapel at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, with a reception following. A memorial service in Ridgefield, Connecticut to be announced. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at the convenience of the family.

Donations in his memory may be be made to the First Congregational Church of Ridgefield, the Ridgefield Library, Keeler Tavern Museum or the Ridgefield Community Center.

The post Alvin William Hall, Jr., Navy Commander appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Nancy Louise Richardson Powell

Nancy Louise Richardson Powell of Peterborough, NH, formerly of Harrisville, NH and Chatham, NJ passed away on February 5, 2017 in the presence of her loving family. Her cherished husband of over 66 years, Duke Powell, predeceased her by three months.

Nancy was born in Marlborough, NH, on October 7, 1926, the daughter of Clifford E. Richardson and Ella (Porter) Richardson. She was the only daughter, with four older and two younger brothers. Life changed for Nancy when she met Duke Powell at age 15. They were together for over 70 years until his passing in November, 2016.

Along with her husband, Nancy graduated from Middlebury College in 1948. She taught math at Southern Seminary Junior College in Virginia, and later at Chatham, NJ, High School. The Powells resided in Chatham for over 30 years, where they raised their three children, Ralph Duke Powell, III (Duff), of Slatersville, RI, Lisa Powell Slade of Belchertown MA, and Alison Eley and son-in-law Evan Zuckert of Ridgefield, CT. She was also blessed to have six grandchildren whom she adored — Jessica, Casey, Mackenzie and Sarah Slade, and Cameron and Keleigh Zuckert.

Family and faith were most important to Nancy. She loved the years spent in Chatham and at Silver Lake, NH, with her beloved Duke, her brothers and their families, her children and her grandchildren. She also loved her years at St. James’s Church in Keene, singing in the choir and helping to run the Alpha Course. An accomplished musician, Nancy became the organist at the Federated Church in Marlborough as a teen, and played violin with the VT Symphony Orchestra while at Middlebury College. She was also on the Board of Directors of Monadnock Music for many years. Nancy’s love of gardening was manifested in a lifelong passion, both at home and in the community. She worked with her husband on various efforts to protect the natural resources of southern NH, including the Silver Lake Land Trust and Historic Harrisville.

The family would like to invite family and friends to Nancy’s memorial service on Saturday, June 3rd, at 11 a.m., at the church where she and her husband were married, The Federated Church of Marlborough, 16 Pleasant St., Marlborough, NH. A luncheon reception will follow at the Marlborough Community House, 160 Main St., Marlborough.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to All Saints’ Church, 51 Concord St., Peterborough, NH, 03458, The Federated Church of Marlborough, 16 Pleasant St., Marlborough, NH, 03455, or St. James Church, 44 West St., Keene, NH 03431.

Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary or to leave the family a condolence please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com

The post Nancy Louise Richardson Powell, 90, mother of resident appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Bennett Pierrepont Jack, long time resident of Under Oaks, Yeamans Hall Club, Hanahan, SC, died Tuesday, April 26th at her home surrounded by love, flowers and birdsong with the grace of the true southern lady she was to her very last breath.

Mrs. Jack considered Ridgefield, CT her home base growing up, though as the daughter of a naval officer, her family lived at many strategic ports around the country. No matter her peregrinations, she always considered Yeamans Hall Club her true heart place and home.

She was educated in Ridgefield, CT, at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA and Erskine Junior College in Cambridge, MA. She was the belle of the ball, bringing sparkle, wit and joy, wherever she went.

An early marriage ended quickly in divorce, then she met the true love of her life, Jordan Thurlow Jack, to whom she was married for 56 years. They lived in South Salem, NY, Leicester, NC and since 1978 at Yeamans Hall Club in Hanahan, SC.

Mrs. Jack was a petite elegant woman, with sense of whimsy and joy that belied her more staid patrician roots. There was little she loved more than hosting a lively gathering of friends and cherished family, unless it was walking visitors through her extensive gardens, often introducing guests to plants by name, and/or championship play with multi-lingual word games. Her friends came from many walks of life. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jordan Thurlow Jack and her son, Michael Pierrepont Jack. She is survived by her daughters, Charlotte Redden and Griffen Samples, her much loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held in Hanahan, SC, Saturday, June 3.

In lieu of flowers, please lend your support to one of her favorite charities: The Coastal Carolina Camellia Society, Special Operations Warrior’s Foundation, (SpecialOps.org) or the Salvation Army.

The post Bennett Pierrepont Jack, former resident appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Norman Lindsey

Norman Lindsey of Ridgefield, CT passed away on Friday, May 19, 2017 after an extended illness. Prior to residing in Connecticut he was a resident of Yardley, PA for 35 years.

He was born in 1934 in Champaign, IL, the son of Clarence and Allene Lindsey.

Mr. Lindsey is survived by his loving wife, Anita; son, Oliver Lindsey (Amherst, MA), daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Peter Rogovin (Pleasantville, NY); and grandchildren, Elliot and Sophie Lindsey, Annie and Alexander Rogovin. He was the brother of Bonnie Van Dyke (Illinois) and Lowell Lindsey (Indiana). Norman was loved by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Lindsey was a graduate of Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH. After college, Norman served in the U.S. Army with a Special Services unit of NATO in Heidelberg, Germany. Upon returning stateside, Norman earned a M.A. in Economics and Statistics from Rutgers, the State University of NJ. Norman retired from a career in statistical research and management working for the State of New Jersey. He also taught courses in economics and statistics at Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ, for over 20 years.

Norman loved baseball and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Starting in high school, then in college and in the army, he continued to play baseball or softball and even played in an over 70’s league.

Norman moved to Ridgefield with his wife in 2007 to be closer to their children. He was an energetic and creative person who enjoyed the many programs and classes offered through Founders Hall, Ridgefield, CT. He loved learning and his interests were varied, from yoga and basketball to finance and Italian. He was particularly fond of his art classes and discovered his talent and passion for painting later in life.

Norman was a regular at Tazza Café and Steve’s Bagels in Ridgefield, where he made many friends; it was said, that once he knew someone, he never forgot their name or birthday. Norman will be remembered for his kindness, gentleness, independent mind, sense of humor and intellectual curiosity.

He will also be remembered for his habit of starting each day by writing a letter or sending an email to a family member or friend. Their contents ranged from the events of the day, politics, economics, philosophy, a cartoon or a capsule review of a book that he had just read. More often than not, his letters included an expression of gratitude or encouragement. In one such writing, he mused on the cause of death he might imagine for his own obituary: “Mr. Lindsey was 109 years of age. He passed away while enjoying an Over-90 softball game. He was chasing a foul ball from his third base position when he succumbed. Surprisingly, he caught the ball, though some of his teammates and fans in the bleachers insist he died before the catch, not afterwards.”

The family is grateful to the staff at Regional Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Danbury, CT for the compassionate care provided. Donations in his memory may be made to Founders Hall, the Ridgefield Library or Regional Hospice & Palliative Care.

Norman’s humor, warmth and love will be dearly missed. A memorial service to celebrate Norman’s life will be held at a later date.

The post Norman Lindsey, 82, loving husband, father and friend appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Shirley Tower

Shirley Tower died on Monday, May 22, after a long and vibrant life.  She was born in New York City on June 3, 1917, the daughter of Frederic and Mary Sue Cummins Leake.

She grew up Nashville, Tennessee, where she acquired Southern charm and Southern manners. She graduated from Ward Belmont School (now Harpeth Hall ) in Nashville and met her husband, John, while he attended Exeter Phillips Academy and roomed with her brother, Teddy. They were married in Nashville on February 10, 1940.

She and her family moved to Ridgefield in 1950, where she lived on Peaceable Hill Road for 51 years. In 2001, she moved to Meadow Ridge in Redding, where she lived for 15 years.

While living in Ridgefield, Shirley was active in the community, volunteering for the Red Cross, The Ridgefield Thrift Shop and the DNA (now the RVNA). She was a member of the Caudatowa Garden Club, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and Silver Spring Country Club.

She enjoyed golfing, reading, gardening, traveling, and was an excellent Bridge player, continuing to play until shortly before her death.

She was predeceased by her husband, John, in 1997, her grandson, Matthew Purdy, also in 1997 and her son-in-law, Douglas Purdy in 2016.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Ellen Mulvaney (Mrs. George), Shirley Purdy (Mrs. Douglas) and Judith Symon (Mrs. Glenn), six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a contribution in Shirley’s memory, may do so to the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, 27 Governor St., Ridgefield, CT., or to the Mark Twain Library, Redding Road, Redding,CT.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church,184 Cross Highway, Redding Ridge, on Friday, June 16, at 11:00 a.m.

The post Shirley Tower, Thrift Shop, garden club volunteer appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Mary Ellen Utell, 83, of Ridgefield, formerly of Redding, Connecticut and Northport, New York passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. She was the loving wife of the late Leonard Utell.

Mary Ellen was born in Floral Park, New York ​on May 10, 1934; a daughter of the late Philip and Marie (Haughney) Wachtel.

Mary Ellen attended our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syossett, New York where she excelled in softball, basketball and field hockey. She graduated from Misericordia College in Dallas, Pennsylvania, in January 1952, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree. She received her Master’s Degree of Education from St. John’s University in 1958. Mary Ellen began her teaching career in Syosset New York and later at Bellerose Elementary School in East Northport, New York. She loved teaching.

Mary Ellen has been a resident of both Ridgefield and Redding since 2001 when she moved to Connecticut to be closer to her daughter, son in law and grandchildren. Prior to that she lived in Northport, NY for 42 years. She was an active member of both Sacred Heart Church of Georgetown and St. Mary Church of Ridgefield. Mary Ellen was a volunteer of the Sacred Heart Church RCIA Program, among other activities.

She loved playing golf with her friends in Ridgefield, singing with the Ridgefield Chorale, traveling, walking with her dog Bailey and participating on her community garden committee. She had a lifelong love of learning and was constantly taking classes. Most important to her was spending time with her beloved family and her dear friends.

Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo Fornshell and her husband, William of Westport, CT. She is also survived by her three grandchildren; Meghan, Matthew and Mary Kate Fornshell as well as a brother, Philip Wachtel. In addition to her daughter, grandchildren and brother, Mary Ellen is survived by her step children, John Utell, Linda Utell and Susan (Utell) Groshelle.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on May 31 at Sacred Heart Church; 30 Church Street, Georgetown (Redding). Interment followed at St. Mary Cemetery, Ridgefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to ROAR — Ridgefield Operations for Animal Rescue; 45 South Street Ridgefield, CT 06877.

The post Mary Ellen Utell, 83, teacher, Ridgefield Chorale singer appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Jay E. McMahon

Jay McMahon, information technologist, advocate archaeologist, and avid outdoorsman passed away on June 11, 2017. He resided in Ridgefield, CT for the past 32 years with his loving wife, Dawn (Fallon) McMahon.  He is survived by Dawn, sister Patti McMahon-Wulff, son Shane McMahon, daughter in-law Ann Dolan McMahon, daughter Maeve “Mev” McMahon, and three grandchildren Shane, Derrick and Kathryn McMahon.

Jay was born in Rochester, NY on April 1, 1945; the son of Joseph and Doris McMahon. He spent most of his childhood in Duchess County, NY where he grew up with his sister, Patti. While in high school he was a member of the American Legion Boys State. Upon graduation from Bucknell University in 1966, he married and began working at IBM as an IT Specialist. Later, divorced, Jay’s mentor, Louis A. Brennan, invited him to the excavation of an 18th century tenant farm in Tarrytown, NY in the late summer of 1982.  It was there that Jay met his second wife, Dawn, her trowel in hand.

During Jay’s 44 years at IBM, he was the lead architect in developing the source software for the current generation of EKG machines, and served as a Development Strategist for IBMs Application Software Group. He also received an international industry award for the global integration of IBM’s financial and marketing information. After Jay retired from IBM in 2010, he and Dawn co-founded Web Archaeological Services, a web design, digitization and collection management support service for the archaeological and humanities establishment.

Concurrent to his career at IBM, Jay pursued his passion for local pre-historic, 18th century and 19th century archaeology. As past president of the Louis A. Brennan, Lower Hudson Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association, he was responsible for leading the membership in the excavation, recovery and curation of numerous archaeological sites throughout Westchester County, NY.  He was awarded Certificate of Merit for Significant Accomplishments in New York State Archaeology. After moving to Ridgefield in 1985 with Dawn, he began working closely with the Connecticut archaeological community. He was a member of the Council of Northeast Historical Archaeology and served as webmaster for the Archaeological Society of Connecticut.

He passed his love for the outdoors and previous cultures onto both his children. He went cross-country skiing with Shane in Vermont’s mountains and went swimming with Mev in the ocean along Maine’s coastline. He took both his children to many archaeological and historic sites. While Shane and his wife Ann McMahon continue this legacy with Jay’s grandchildren, Mev has applied her father’s teachings to her photo-editing career.

Jay contributed greatly to the knowledge base in both the computer science and archaeology fields. He explored the past but looked to the future and aimed to be a renaissance man. He will be dearly missed.           

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 16, at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Friday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the MS Society – www.nationalmssociety.org or to the Ronald McDonald House – www.rmhc.org

The post Jay E. McMahon, 72, avid outdoorsman appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Rita L. Binninger

Rita L. Binninger, a resident of Ridgefield, died on Monday, June 12th at the Laurel Ridge Health Care Center.

Born in 1925 in New York, Rita 91 years of age was the beloved wife of the late Bill Binninger. She was an active member of the Holy Family Rosary Society and enjoyed having brunch with the group.

She is survived by her three children Lori Decaminada, Suzanne Binninger and Bill Binninger, her son-in law Gene Decaminada and daughter-in-law Anna Binninger. Lori and Gene Decaminada are Ridgefield CT residents and both Suzanne and Bill Binninger reside in Long Island New York.

Her brother John Traverso, who is 97 years old, lives in Long Island NY with his wife, Gloria.

Rita loved her family time, enjoyed her two grandsons Billy and Noah, and had a wonderful smile that could light up a room.

The Fairchild Sons Funeral Chapel, Address: 1570 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, NY 11030 #516-627-2000, has been entrusted with arrangements.

The post Rita L. Binninger, 91, loving mother, grandmother appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Dorothy Conway

Dorothy Catherine (Christensen) Conway passed away peacefully and surrounded by her children, or “jewels” as she affectionately referred to them, and her adoring husband on Monday June 19, 2017.  

Born in Troy, N.Y., she was the daughter of John and Dorothy (Freeman) Christensen.  Dorothy graduated from Catholic Central High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from the College of St. Rose. On August 9, 1958, she married the love of her life, John Edward Conway of Schenectady, N.Y.. They lived in Kingston, N.Y., where they started their family, and later moved to Ridgefield where they spent 30 years. In 1995, she, and her husband, moved to Cape Cod, returning to the place of their honeymoon to spend their golden years together. Their home was a place all were welcome and was most often full with family and friends. 

The grief that we feel at her loss will never match the joy of having known her. Dorothy could light up a room with her beautiful smile and she had the ability to make those in her presence feel special. She will always be loved and remembered for her compassion, loyalty and absolute devotion to her family. She leaves a legacy, rich with treasured memories — skiing with her family at Stratton Mountain, golfing with her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends, and countless outings to the Cape Cod beaches.  

Dorothy loved adventure and enjoyed traveling to Europe, especially her trip to Ireland with John, and many trips to Florida and the Caribbean with her family. She was a parishioner at Our Lady of the Cape in Brewster, Mass. She was committed to helping those less fortunate, including her volunteering with Meals on Wheels for many years, until her long battle with breast cancer diminished her strength.  

In addition to her loving husband of 59 years, Dorothy is survived by her seven children, John Conway and his wife, Ella, Maureen Burns and her husband, Peter, Matthew Conway and his wife, Lisa, Ellen Conway-Hill and her husband, Tony, Michael Conway and his wife, Paula, Catherine Racz and her husband, Ed, and Patricia Iannetta and her husband, Rudy; twenty two grandchildren, and one great grandchild, who were the lights of her life.  

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 22, in Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd., Brewster, Mass.  

Visitation will precede the Mass beginning at 9 a.m. in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, Mass.

Interment will be private.  

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the VNA of Cape Cod – Hospice, 434 Route 134, Suite D-3, South Dennis, MA 02660.  

The post Dorothy Conway, former resident appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

Robert Joseph Jochim, Jr.

Robert Joseph Jochim, Jr. age 78, passed away on Monday, June 12th, at his long-term care residence in Westwood, New Jersey. Robert was born in New York, November 13th, 1938 to Robert Joseph Jochim, Sr. and Bertha V. Polomski. He was one of five brothers: John Larsen, Ralph Larsen, Gerald Jochim, and William Jochim.

Robert leaves behind daughter Vikki Jochim and granddaughter Samantha De Jesus, both of Woodcliff Lake, NJ; son Robert J. Jochim, III and daughter-in-law Jennifer Lincoln Jochim, of Milford, CT; son Craig Ruchman, of Ridgefield, CT; daughter Sherri Coopersmith Underriner, grandson Hudson Underriner and son-in-law Eric Underriner of Lambertville, NJ; son Michael Coopersmith, grandsons Noah and Eli Coopersmith and daughter-in-law Ellyn Weston Coopersmith, of New York, NY.

In his youth, Robert attended Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan until his family relocated to upstate New York where he attended and graduated from Fleischmanns High School. At Fleischmanns High, Robert was remembered for being active in basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and intramurals as well as being an editor and/or contributor in the school newsletter, the school newspaper, the yearbook, was class secretary, in the student council, participated in the senior play, and a prize speaker. It was here that he met his first wife, Juliann DeLong of Margaretville. They moved back to Manhattan where he attended Hunter College studying business. He then went into the US Army where he served as a radio operator during the Vietnam War. After returning to their home in the Bronx, the couple, who now had two sons, relocated to East Hartford, CT, where Robert returned to college, attending the University of Hartford, and soon welcomed a daughter. The young family settled in Ridgefield, CT, via Wilton, CT. Robert eventually moved on, remarried and settled in Rockland County, NY for approximately 30 years.

Robert enjoyed a lengthy career as a computer consultant, most recently at dBTrader (Deutsche Bank) in New York, where he was a lead developer responsible for building one of the most sophisticated trade and transaction processing platforms with multiple components implemented over global markets. Robert is fondly remembered by his coworkers, and was known by one as being one of the best structural programmer she ever worked with.

Robert was an avid Giants football fan, was passionate about human rights and equality, politics and current events, loved animals and nature, and was a gentle and kind soul. Robert also enjoyed photography. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed. May God bless his soul and may he rest in peace.

The post Robert Joseph Jochim, Jr., 78, father of Ridgefielder appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.